Dale Farm, Traveller settlement in Crays Hill, Essex, England
Dale Farm is a traveller settlement in Crays Hill, Essex, spanning several acres of land with both authorized and unauthorized residential areas for mobile home communities. The property includes 34 legal pitches along Oak Lane, with the remainder situated within strictly regulated Green Belt land.
The settlement originated in the 1970s as a small authorized Romani community and expanded significantly over the following decades. It became one of Europe's largest traveller communities by the early 2000s before experiencing major changes.
The settlement was home to English Romani and Irish Traveller families, each maintaining distinct cultural practices and community traditions. This coexistence shaped how people organized their daily lives and relationships within the mobile home communities.
The location sits within a Green Belt zone, which means there are access and usage restrictions for visitors. It is wise to inform yourself about local regulations beforehand and respect the privacy of residents.
The property became the site of a major eviction of unauthorized residents in the early 2010s, involving hundreds of police officers. This event drew significant public attention to questions of traveller accommodation and land use in Britain.
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